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Holy crap.
I do hope this isnt true.
Express Eventing was supposed to be the next best thing, something to get everyone, not just equestrian enthusiasts into.
From what Im hearing its turning into carnage, quite literally
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VERY interesting that Bettina didn't go xc...

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Sounds like a very sensible decision. I suspect Mary's fall was the final clincher
 
BBs i agree. something that was meant to be fun and entertaining could end in tradegy. i sounds like carnage out there.

I just hope that Cavvy is ok. i have everything crossed.
 
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VERY interesting that Bettina didn't go xc...

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Sounds like a very sensible decision. I suspect Mary's fall was the final clincher

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Indeed and for someone of Bettina's position in the sport to hold her hand up and say no, just shows what the feelings in the aftermath of today will be.
 
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VERY interesting that Bettina didn't go xc...

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Sounds like a very sensible decision. I suspect Mary's fall was the final clincher


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Hmm, yes. she never seems the bravest xc rider. I wonder what caused the fall? whether the footing was starting to give way? has it been raining all day there?
what a total nightmare.
 
Thank you very much keeping us updated Llewelyn - even if it has ended sadly. it is very much appreciated - and thank you to your daughter to0.

I agree about Cavvy - if anyone knows what is happening please post.
 
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has it been raining all day there?

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the roof's been shut all day I believe so rain shouldn't have been a factor. I'd imagine they would lay new turf down (which is do-able at the MS) as the rugby yesterday would have torn it up big time.
 
Up until last week, they had only sold half the expected number of tickets. Can't see it being held again, TBH.

Several of those eliminated took the wrong course, but I wonder what the ground conditions were like and if that had any bearing, as they played rugby on the pitch the day before? Just a thought...

ah - just seen post above, so not a factor then.
 
Oh goodness, sounds like it's not going to plan at all over there. Maybe a good thing they're not showing it live a la Badminton. Have everything crossed for Mary and Cavvy.
 
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has it been raining all day there?

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the roof's been shut all day I believe so rain shouldn't have been a factor. I'd imagine they would lay new turf down (which is do-able at the MS) as the rugby yesterday would have torn it up big time.

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thanks, I'd forgotten they can shut the roof.
praying for good news here.
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ah - just seen post above, so not a factor then.

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I could be wrong but the MS has been known to lay new turf over night so who knows.

We'll soon know for any photos that appear in the press
 
They've just done a similar-ish competition at The Royal in Toronto (3rd year, probably the most high profile field), more along the lines of regular indoor eventing with a combined sj and "xc" course (and not full up 4* at all, more like big Nov-2*), and while there wasn't carnage like described here, there were a lot of problems. In fact, some of the most experienced riders and horses (solid 4* competitors) seemed to have the most trouble. It is just SO different for the horses and sure, sj-ers jump in venues like that all the time, and event horses are used to crowds but that doesn't necessarily translate into eventers being comfortable doing their outdoor stuff inside in front of a screaming crowd. Of course, some horses coped fine but other seemed seriously overwhelmed and, as mentioned here, just could not get enough settled momentum to answer the questions. I guess one could argue that's what makes it a competition but still, it's heartbreaking to see good, proven horses (and riders) struggle. Perhaps not so oddly the less experienced horses seemed to cope better, particularly if they also had a history of competing as showjumpers. And this in a country where most horses are used to working inside for half the year (although, again. more established horses would be more likely to either go south or not compete at all during the winter).

Sorry, that sounds like criticism, which is not at all my point. Just that another venue has tried something similar recently with similar results. Maybe it will spawn "specialists" like the Eventer GPs. In Toronto they did it over two days and absolutely, most of the horses were decidedly better the second day.
 
totally agree, TarrSteps. just because a horse is a brilliant 3* or 4* horse does not mean it will relish that kind of hothouse atmosphere, let alone big questions coming up every few strides. it is totally unlike xc in that respect, more like a big sj jump-off, with skinnies thrown in for good measure.
with that much prize money, specialists will develop if the sport continues, i'm sure.
 
the turf isnt new one of the reasons they could hold this there was that the pitch is goung to be dug up and relaid right after this. i should think they just rolled it after the rugby.
my spies are al saying the same as already posted lots of errors or course as much as anything mary only bad fall i hear she is up ok but cavvy got removed in the horse ambulance and if bettina didnt go xc i think oli has won
 
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the turf isnt new one of the reasons they could hold this there was that the pitch is goung to be dug up and relaid right after this. i should think they just rolled it after the rugby

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Ahh I see, so nice churned up turf to jump off, lovely.
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Last text from daughter - she said ground was "V. Slippy". Her words, aged 15, but she does ride so should know.

Such a shame, she was thoroughly enjoying the day, said the atmosphere was fantastic, crowd were loving it, but not a good end (except for Oli of course).

Off to Tesco's now, such is life.
 
exactly and they probably had the roof open yesterday as well at least some of the time! poor mary she will be devastated if she loses that horse
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teapot, that's what i thought. after 18 horses have been around the exact same route... not nice.

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exactly and they probably had the roof open yesterday as well at least some of the time! poor mary she will be devastated if she loses that horse

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And rolling can only do so much so they'd be jumping off effectively what would be like a polo pitch with divots etc.
 
Good for Bettina for withdrawing if she was worried about the ground - Ringwood Cockatoo doesnt owe her anything, and she lost Woodsides Ashby with a broken leg a while ago, so bound to feel cautious
 
Its is true about Cavvy but not sure if he got put down or not, my friend texted me to say awful and tragic but didn't say anymore.
 
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Its is true about Cavvy but not sure if he got put down or not, my friend texted me to say awful and tragic but didn't say anymore.

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If it looked obvious then I would have thought there wouldnt be much hope for him.
Poor boy and poor, poor Mary
 
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